The Philadelphia Eagles face off with their divison rivals the Washington Redskins this upcoming Sunday. Former Eagles and current Redskins wide receiver, DeSean Jackson, was on conference call with the Philadelphia media today discussing his upcoming free agency status and his feelings toward the Eagles organization.
“We still have 11 games here,” Jackson said, when asked about his future with the Redskins. “Next year I will be a free agent, and you never know how things will turn out. Hopefully it will be here in Washington, but you never now how things will turn out. You keep you options open, play it smart and do what you have to do to stay in the NFL. I want to play another five or seven years in this game.”
The Eagles have struggled to replace Jackson’s ability to stretch the field since the team released the speedster during the 2014 offseason. The team’s current group of wide receivers lacks the ability to create separation from opposing team’s cornerbacks and that has been an issue in the passing game. Drops are also another factor the receivers struggle with, but Jackson could be the veteran presence the team needs moving forward with their young group.
Jackson made it clear he has no resentment towards the Eagles organization since his release. He pointed the finger at former Eagles head coach, Chip Kelly, for the team cutting him.
“I am happy to see Doug there,” Jackson said. “I respect him and congratulate him on getting the job. He’s done some good things since he left and went to Kansas City and now he’s back. I have a good relationship with him.”
Jackson also talked about Eagles stud rookie quarterback, Carson Wentz, and has been impressed with his performances so far.
“I definitely saw a couple of games. He’s very impressive,” Jackson said, when asked about Wentz’s play in Philadelphia. “He is doing a great job as a rookie. It’s exciting to see a young guy come in and do some great things.”
Jackson talked about how him and former Eagles star running back, LeSean McCoy, still keep in touch to this day. Jackson said McCoy sent him a picture this morning of the two during their Eagles days and said “we were awesome together.”
Clearly Jackson still has some strong feelings towards the team that gave him his first NFL opportunity selecting him in the second-round of the 2008 NFL draft. He has a good relationship with Pederson, he’s impressed with Wentz, and still loves the city of Philadelphia.
A reunion between the two certainly isn’t out of the realm of possibilities. The Eagles need a receiver to stretch the field and Jackson is just that, even if he’ll be 30-years-old once the 2017 season begins. The team could decide to go younger and look towards the draft to find that deep threatbut Jackson did everything, but shut the door on a possible reunion with his former team.
